Lakewood lawmakers draw attention to older adults in need

LAKEWOOD - Hunger has no age. Even the elderly, who often live on a fixed income, suffer from hunger.

That was the message of AARP as it kicked off a food drive at the Weingart Senior Center in Lakewood on Wednesday.

To help fight against hunger, AARP announced it is teaming up with U.S. Rep. Linda Sanchez, D-Lakewood, Lakewood Mayor Diane DuBois and the Weingart Senior Center in a citywide food drive through Dec. 31.

Millions of people age

50 and above struggle with hunger, or lack sufficient nutrition and food resources every day, Sanchez told the crowd of seniors.

"That's a very alarming fact, because often time seniors have particular nutritional needs and they may require special diets for medical reasons," she said. "But, they are not getting the nutrients and proper foods they need in order to stay healthy."

Nearly 9 million people over 50 are at risk of hunger every day across the country - a 79 percent increase in 10 years, she added.

"Many seniors who find themselves in a situation where they are food insecure probably never imagined that," Sanchez said. "Because they worked all their lives, they paid their taxes, they helped build this country and strengthen this country."

The community food drive is part of California's efforts to alleviate hunger under AARP's Drive to End Hunger Initiative.

"I'm hopeful that there will come a day when we don't need to do a food drive - when we can end hunger in this country and nobody has to worry about the prospect of going to bed hungry," Sanchez said.

Once the drive is complete, Project Shepherd, Lakewood's community-based assistance program that helps families and seniors year-round, will distribute the food to those in need.

"All of us on the council are extremely grateful to AARP for selecting Project Shepherd to be the recipient of their Drive to End Hunger project," said Dubois.

"Our residents in Lakewood have not escaped the harsh realities of this recession. Many in our community have lost their homes and/or their jobs. Thankfully, we have a safety net there called Project Shepherd."

On Sept. 11, several Lakewood businesses will provide drop boxes where nonperishable food items can be donated.

Collection boxes are available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at these Lakewood businesses:

F&M Bank, 5101 Lakewood Blvd.

Lakewood Center,

500 Lakewood Center.

Walgreens, 5829 Lakewood Blvd.

Walgreens, 5913 Carson St.

Wal-Mart, 2770 Carson St.

Donations are accepted every day at the Weingart Senior Center, 5220 Oliva Ave., in Lakewood. Go to www.drivetoendhunger.org.